Norfolk Admirals name Robbie Ftorek new head coach

Robbie Ftorek is the Norfolk Admirals’ new head coach. (Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Devils)

The struggling Norfolk Admirals are making a coaching change.

Team president Michael Santos announced Tuesday that Rod Aldoff had been relieved of his coaching duties, almost five months after he was hired to lead the team. Robbie Ftorek was named the Admirals’ new head coach.

The Admirals have lost 15 of 17 games this season.

Ftorek recently served as the assistant coach for the Abbotsford Heat, an American Hockey League affiliate for the Calgary Flames. His resume as head coach includes the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins. His experience on the ice includes playing for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and the United States Olympic Hockey Team in 1972.

Ben Boudreau will remain the team’s assistant coach, according to a Norfolk Admirals press release.

“The Admirals appreciate Rod’s contributions to the organization and are committed to assisting him and his family with this transition,” Santos said in a press release. “We look forward to Robbie joining the staff as the team’s new head coach.”